Koh Tao questions

[nkped]

Thinking about going to Koh Tao at the end of July, beginning of August.

• How is the weather likely to be?
• Where to stay if diving, and not partying, is the priority? At the age of 58, I can dive or I can party but I can't combine the two very well.

As to the Phuket/Koh Tao debate, I have dived the Phuket sites and the Similans and will probably do so again, but I have come to actively dislike Patong and want to try someplace else this year.

 

[limbo]

Hi nkped,

That time frame is about as good as it gets for the Koh Tao and Samui region with a good chance of even spotting some big blue spotted fishies.

As for location, don't stay at Sairee or Mae Haad than but in a more remote bay, although, come to think of it, Mae Haad may not be too bad, since it's near the pier and near the night life, just in case it starts itching. It's also relatively quiet, except for the dogs at night!

 

[katdiver]

If you want a nice change from Phuket, you can always come ocer to Krabi and dive from Ao Nang. Lots of good diving from here and we dive all year round.

 

[BigBlueTech]

I'm on Koh Tao right now. I ca say getting a room on the island would be difficult at the moment. Despite claims of bad weather and poor viz ability most resorts are full. Big Blue Resort has been fully booked for the past 3 days with openings on the 1st.

If you're not diving then be prepared to be off the beach.. a bit more into town.

The nicest area is either Sai Ree or Chalock Ban Khao. Basically north and south end. Any where near the main peir on the main strip is not the nicest and it's only a transit area anyway. You main schools are Big Blue, Buddha View, Bans and Crystal. All 4 will offer you nice quiet rooms, good diving (we all go to the same place) and well maintained equipment. Google some of those resorts and look for reviews.

This time of year, parties are inevitable.. the further away from the beach the quieter.

 

[Batfish]

I have dived the Phuket sites and the Similans and will probably do so again, but I have come to actively dislike Patong and want to try someplace else this year.

Aha! Comments like this were the reason I started my Phuket blog. Patong is NOT Phuket. Want to try something different..? Phuket is a big island, and Patong is the armpit. On the other hand, you're planning a trip in low season.. but high season on the east coast so why not give it a try over there...

 

[limbo]

Batfish,

If you read the OP's post, that's exactly what he's planning, dive on the East side during 'our' high season there! He's just getting some info.

Agree with you on the Patong remark, there's a lot more about Phuket than just Patong.

 

[Bowmouth]

Phuket is a big island, and Patong is the armpit...

:biggrin3:

 

[limbo]

What are all you West siders doing in this thread? OP is asking info about Koh Tao and clearly states that he will be back diving at your shores.

Beats me!

 

[Bowmouth]

What are all you West siders doing in this thread? OP is asking info about Koh Tao...

Believe it or not but I have dived the Gulf sites extensively and dived all major and minor rocks, islands and pinnacles from Chumporn all the way down to Koh Losin and know a fair bit about the diving conditions and marinelife on "your" side.
And yes, that includes the divesites off Koh Tao and Koh Samui, the islands, rocks and islets of Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Pattani and Narathiwat and a few artificial reefs in that region too.

Happy New Year!

 

[limbo]

Happy New Year to you too, Bowmouth!

I know of your dive adventures here in the Gulf, you mentioned them during previous posts.